Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
Chefs and Head Cooks in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY area earn an average annual salary of $67,460. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $64,680, indicating a favorable compensation landscape for culinary professionals in this region. Local economic factors and demand within the hospitality sector likely contribute to this competitive pay.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $67,460 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $98,240.
- Outlook: The Albany-Schenectady-Troy metropolitan area supports a workforce of 440 Chefs and Head Cooks. With a Location Quotient of 0.84, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not oversaturated job market. The presence of nearly one job per thousand workers indicates consistent demand for skilled culinary leadership.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY earns+4.3%above the national average.
$32.4
$1,297
$5,622
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks in Albany-Schenectady-Troy have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing demand for specialized culinary experiences, and a competitive labor market typically drive upward salary adjustments for experienced professionals in this field.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks is significantly influenced by experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive culinary training, management skills, and a proven track record can expect to earn considerably more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight the substantial career growth and earning potential available as one advances through various culinary roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $46,720 | $22.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $50,595 | $24.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $63,010 | $30.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $84,325 | $40.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $98,240 | $47.2 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$67,460
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$67,460
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $67,460 in Albany-Schenectady-Troy aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Chef's or Head Cook's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain related to everyday expenses.
Job Market Context
440
Total Jobs
0.991
Per 1K Jobs
0.84
Location Quotient
Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY has 0.84x the national average concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.84 for Chefs and Head Cooks in Albany-Schenectady-Troy suggests that the profession is slightly less concentrated here compared to the national average. This indicates a healthy job market where demand is met by a comparable, though not excessive, supply of talent, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled individuals without intense competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Pittsfield, MA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $65,050↓ 4% | 31 mi |
| Glens Falls, NY Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $67,960↑ 1% | 45 mi |
| Kingston, NY Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $72,170↑ 7% | 52 mi |
| Southwest New York nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $68,610↑ 2% | 68 mi |
| Central East New York nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $63,270↓ 6% | 68 mi |
Comparing salaries near Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY is $67,460. This typically ranges from $46,720 for entry-level positions to $98,240 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY is 4.3% higher than the national median of $64,680.
Is Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation.The average salary of $67,460 is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making it financially advantageous.
Is Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Pittsfield, MA ($65,050) and Glens Falls, NY.
How does the Albany-Schenectady-Troy salary compare to the national average?
The average salary of $67,460 in Albany-Schenectady-Troy is approximately 4.3% higher than the national average of $64,680 for Chefs and Head Cooks.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 0.84?
An LQ of 0.84 means that the concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks in Albany-Schenectady-Troy is 16% lower than the national average. This suggests a slightly less competitive market relative to the nation.
How does the cost of living affect the Chef and Head Cook salary in Albany-Schenectady-Troy?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local salary of $67,460 has the same purchasing power as the national average salary in a national average cost of living area.
What is the total number of Chefs and Head Cooks in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy area?
There are approximately 440 Chefs and Head Cooks employed within the Albany-Schenectady-Troy metropolitan statistical area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 440 employees in the Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY area with a job density of 0.991 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Chefs and Head Cooks • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY